The Scouts need more adult volunteers as leaders to keep up with the surge in young members, says Bear Grylls.

What does the chief Scout do?

Simple: I'm there to show young people around the world that the Scouts is the best way to get out there, follow your dreams and live an adventure. Kids ask me every day how to learn the skills I show on my TV survival series and I tell them: "Join the Scouts." My role is to encourage, encourage and encourage!

I was christened Edward. My sister gave me the name Bear when I was a week old and it has stuck.

Is scouting still relevant today?

People grumble about the youth of today, but young people lack opportunity not ambition. Life is about grabbing opportunities and scouting makes adventure available to everyone. The prizes don't always go to the biggest, the best or the strongest – they go to those who persevere. These are simple life lessons that scouting teaches people.

Why are you seeking more volunteers?

We're seeing an unprecedented surge in members and to keep up with this demand we need more adults and parents to volunteer as leaders. We will train them and help them fit volunteering round their busy schedules. Often the adults get as much out of scouting as the kids.

Last week, 2,500 young people were at the Scout winter camp. What is it?

It's all about learning the skills to survive sub-zero temperatures. It's amazing to watch so many young people thriving and enjoying climbing, abseiling, quad biking and high ropes – all in freezing January! That takes heart and spirit, both of which I see scouts showing in abundance.

What drew you to this role?

As a young boy, scouting gave me a confidence and camaraderie that is hard to find in modern life. Kids in the UK need a sense of belonging and community more than ever. I'm proud to be the chief Scout in the world's greatest youth movement. It is the biggest privilege I have ever had – more than [serving in] the SAS or [climbing] Everest.

How do you apply the lessons from your professional career to this role?

My work is all about adventure and teamwork in some of the most inhospitable jungles, mountains and deserts on the planet. If you aren't able to look after yourself and each other, then people die. The principles of scouting are similar; it's about exciting life and outdoor skills, and those require respect for each other, yourself and the environment.

What's your leadership style?

Get stuck in, get muddy, laugh at myself and don't be afraid to have fun. And I hate meetings!